💎 Chappelle’s Soundcheck Series Hits Yellow Springs

Happy Tuesday Daytonians!

Thanks for spending another week with The Gem, where good times aren’t hard to find. Let’s take a look at what we’ll be covering in this edition…

• Did You Know: Modula’s $24 Million, Developmental Disabilities Services, Make Dayton’s Wright-Dunbar Shine

• Hidden Gems: West Social Tap & Table, Socialite Café, Wawa Ohio

• Local Events: Chappelle’s Soundcheck, Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead, Dayton Earth Day, Salsa Social 

• Computer Love: DEXA Drones Get Big Thumbs Up

• Money: Big Opportunities at Ohio’s Business Matchmaker, Home Runs & Handshakes

• Sports: Dragon’s Homestand, WSU Golf Title Defense, UD Flyers Reload with Adam Njie

—Tom

Did you know?

Modula’s $24 Million Expansion Brings More Jobs! 💸

Franklin City Council has approved a major development agreement for Modula Inc., an Italian company that makes automated storage systems. This $24 million project will expand Modula's facility on Commerce Center Drive by about 180,000 square feet, adding more space for manufacturing and storage.

Modula already employs 117 people at its Franklin location. With this expansion, the company plans to hire 60 more full-time workers over the next three years. This means more job opportunities for our community!

Big Help for People with Disabilities in Montgomery County

The Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services (MCBDDS) is getting a special one-time funding boost of $9.17 million for 2026. This money comes from the county's Human Services Levy Council, which helps fund important community services.

The additional $9.17 million funding is meant to help cover these rising costs and ensure that people with developmental disabilities continue to receive the support they need. However, it's important to note that this is a one-time funding increase, and long-term solutions are still needed to address ongoing financial challenges.

Artist Wanted: Help Make Dayton’s Wright-Dunbar Shine!

The Wright-Dunbar neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio, is looking for talented artists to help decorate its streets. They want to wrap utility boxes with beautiful artwork that celebrates the area's rich history.

Artists are invited to create designs inspired by:

• The Wright Brothers and aviation

• Poet Paul Laurence Dunbar

• Inductees from the Dayton Region's Walk of Fame

Four designs will be chosen to be displayed on utility boxes in the Historic Commercial District. Each selected artist will receive $500, credit for their work, and a spotlight on the Wright Dunbar Business District Association website.

How To Enter:

• You must be an Ohio resident.

• If you're under 18, you'll need permission from a parent or guardian.

• Submit your design in PDF format with a resolution of 300 dpi (scaled image) or 150 dpi (full image).

• Only one design per artist is allowed.

• No logos, advertisements, or names should be on the design.

• Send your design to [email protected] by 11:59 PM on Thursday, May 1st.​

The top 10 designs will be chosen through social media voting. Final selections will be made by Wright Dunbar, Inc. and approved by the City of Dayton. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 7th.

For more information, contact Erica Hubler at [email protected]

Hidden Gems

Community Flavor at West Social Tap & Table 

At 1100 W Third St in Dayton’s historic Wright & Dunbar District, W. Social Tap & Table opened in 2021 as a vibrant food hall designed to revitalize a local food desert. Inside, four neighborhood‑run eateries—Mz. Jade’s Soul Food, Taco Street Co., The Lumpia Queen and SoCa—share space with a full bar at The Tap at W. Social, offering diverse, authentic dishes alongside craft beers and cocktails. The hall welcomes diners Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays. Weekly events—like Seafood Saturdays, Taco Nights, Caribbean and Filipino‑flavor evenings, plus Saturday brunch parties—bring neighbors together over food and fun.

European-Style Community Hub At Socialite Cafe

Socialite Café opened in 2024, in Fairmont Plaza at 4011 Marshall Road, Kettering, just behind Speedway. Owners Scott and Rebekah Allendevaux drew on over a decade in the U.K. to bring a warm European‑pub feel home. Inside the 2,400‑square‑foot space, guests sink into leather couches beside vintage trunks and global postcards. A rotating library of 22 newspapers and magazines—from The London Times to Architectural Digest—keeps visitors connected to the wider world.

Open Monday through Saturday, the menu features Proud Hound‑roasted coffee, fresh smoothies, hearty soups, and signature sandwiches like The Babe Paley, Mexicali Grilled Cheese, and The Mrs. Astor—all gluten‑free at no extra charge. As evening falls, charcuterie boards, curated wine selections, and hand‑dipped ice cream offer an elevated twist on casual bites.

Ohio’s First WAWA Store Opens in Liberty Township

On April 16, 2025, Wawa marked its 61st anniversary by opening its first Ohio store at 7198 Cincinnati‑Dayton Road in Liberty Township, complete with a 5,915‑square‑foot convenience market and six fueling pumps. Guests lined up overnight for the 8 AM opening and ribbon‑cutting ceremony led by Wawa executives and local officials. VIP attendees sampled signature hoagies and Tastykake treats during a pre‑opening “Taste of Wawa,” while local nonprofits received grant awards as part of the store’s community outreach program.

Inside, made‑to‑order sandwiches, coffee on tap, and budget‑friendly items from Wawa’s “2‑4‑6” menu await customers. To celebrate the milestone, the first 250 guests received free coffee for ten days. Wawa was founded in Pennsylvania, and has since grown along the East Coast of the United States. This location is one of nine Wawas set to open across Ohio by year‑end, bringing new jobs and strengthened community partnerships to the Buckeye State.

Local Events

Chappelle’s Soundcheck Series Hits Yellow Springs 🎤

Get ready for a mid-spring musical and comedy binge as Dave Chappelle’s Soundcheck Series returns to the historic YS Firehouse. Fans can now buy tickets through Ticketmaster for four head-turning performances in Yellow Springs next month. First up, funk and hip‑hop icons GZA and Lettuce—plus special guest Bootsy Collins—light up the stage on Tuesday, May 13. Rising star Adam Ray takes over on Friday, May 16, and transforms into Dr. Phil for a one-night parody on Saturday, May 17.

The series closes with Dave Chappelle alongside British wit Jimmy Carr on Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 PM. Attendees must be 21 or older with valid ID, and all phones will be stored in locked pouches to ensure a fully immersive, phone‑free night. Don’t miss these exclusive nights of music and laughs in the heart of Yellow Springs!

Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead: North American Wild Life Edition Sparks Young Science Minds

Elementary students and curious families can dive into science at “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead: North American Wildlife Edition” today, April 22, from 8 AM to 5 PM at the Dayton Metro Library – Huber Heights Branch (6160 Chambersburg Rd, Huber Heights, OH 45424).

This free, weekly event combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics activities to explore local animals and habitats. Participants will build models, conduct experiments, and uncover wildlife facts in a hands‑on setting. It’s a playful way to learn, create, and connect with nature. Libraries’ welcoming space makes it easy for families to spend the day discovering new passions together.

Dayton Unites For Earth Day Citywide Cleanups

Dayton residents can make a real impact this Earth Day weekend with two major volunteer events: the Living City Project citywide cleanup and Five Rivers MetroParks’ Adopt‑a‑Park program.

On Saturday, April 26, the fifth annual Living City Project will run from 9 AM to 12 PM, pairing with Rebuilding Together Dayton and the Downtown Dayton Partnership with First Bloom to clear trash and tackle home‑accessibility upgrades across more than 30 neighborhoods. Volunteers check in at Revival Center Ministries or Hope Hill Church beginning at 8:30 AM, then enjoy after‑parties with food and fellowship from 12 PM to 1:30 PM.

Meanwhile, from 9 AM to 11:30 AM, MetroParks’ Adopt‑a‑Park calls on volunteers to plant trees at Wegerzyn Gardens, remove litter at RiverScape, and restore habitat at Hills & Dales among 16 sites. Last year’s Adopt‑a‑Park saw 287 volunteers log 699 service hours, planting 102 trees and removing 5.5 acres of invasive species. These hands‑on efforts mean cleaner parks, stronger neighborhoods, and a brighter future for Dayton.

Let Your Hips Talk at DaytOn1’s Salsa Social

Get ready to spice up your Monday night on April 28 with DaytOn1’s Salsa Beginner Class & Social at On Par Entertainment (4464 Indian Ripple Rd., Beavercreek). The evening kicks off with an energetic beginner salsa lesson at 8 PM, followed by a lively social dance at 8:40 PM where no partner is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and dancing shoes.

Entry is just $10, and check‑in begins in the karaoke area; free parking makes arriving a breeze. This 21+ event mixes upbeat instruction from local dance pros with friendly floor time, perfect for first‑timers and repeat movers alike. Whether you’re looking to learn your first salsa steps or share a spin with friends, this class‑and‑social combo offers a fun, welcoming way to connect through dance.

Computer Love

Dayton’s DEXA Drones Get Big Thumbs Up From The FAA! 👍

A local company in Dayton, Ohio called DEXA, is making big moves in the world of drone deliveries. They just got special permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly their drones farther than ever before. This means their drones can now travel beyond what the pilot can see with their own eyes.

This special permission is known as a Part 135 Air Carrier Certification. It allows DEXA to fly drones over longer distances and deliver packages to more places. Their drone, called the DE-2020, is even made right in downtown Dayton!

With this new certification, DEXA joins other big companies like Amazon Prime Air and Google Wing in being able to offer drone deliveries across the country. This is a big step toward making drone deliveries a normal part of everyday life.

DEXA’s CEO, Beth Flippo says this achievement shows their commitment to safety and innovation. They're excited to bring their fast and eco-friendly delivery services to more people.

So, the next time you see a drone flying overhead in Dayton, it might just be delivering someone's lunch!

Money

Small Businesses Meet Big Opportunities at Ohio Business Matchmaker 🤝

Something exciting is coming to Dayton tomorrow! The Ohio Business Matchmaker will be held on April 23 and 24, 2025, at the Nutter Center at Wright State University. This big event helps small businesses grow by giving them a chance to meet with people from government offices and large companies who need goods and services. These meetings are short—just 10 minutes long—but they can lead to big deals!

Last year, more than 400 people came to the event, and over 1,500 meetings were scheduled with 83 buyers. That’s a lot of chances for small businesses to shine! The goal is to help local businesses connect with groups that might hire them for things like construction, office supplies, cleaning, or even tech work.

This event is like speed dating, but for business. Small business owners sit down with buyers, talk about what they offer, and then move on to the next meeting. It’s fast-paced, but fun—and it works.

This year, the organizers are expecting even more people to come. There will also be helpful workshops, tips for getting government contracts, and time to meet other business owners from around Ohio.

If you're a small business owner in Dayton or nearby, this is a great chance to make new connections!

Click here to register 

Home Runs & Handshakes: A Night of Networking Under The Stadium Lights

Get ready for a fun evening at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton, Ohio! On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Dayton Dragons are hosting a special event called the Chamber Networking Night. This event is perfect for business professionals who want to connect with others while enjoying a baseball game.​

For just $30, attendees will receive a ticket to a luxury suite, a Dayton Dragons hat, and access to a buffet featuring classic ballpark foods, soda, and water. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, share ideas, and enjoy America's favorite pastime.

The game starts at 7:05 PM, with gates opening at 6:00 PM. The Dayton Dragons will be playing against the West Michigan Whitecaps, promising an exciting match for all baseball fans.

This event is organized by the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, aiming to bring together the local business community in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. It's a chance to build relationships, discuss opportunities, and support the local team.​

Don't miss out on this unique blend of networking and sports entertainment. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or looking to expand your professional circle, the Chamber Networking Night at Day Air Ballpark is the place to be on April 23rd

Purchase your tickets here

Sports

Dragons Launch 25th-Season Home-stand This Week

Dayton’s beloved Dragons charge back into Day Air Ballpark tonight to open a six‑game set against the West Michigan Whitecaps, and the team is pulling out all the stops for fans of every age. The April 22‑27 Home-stand features fireworks on Friday, a Pete Rose bobblehead giveaway Saturday, and Kids Run the Bases on Sunday, all wrapped inside the club’s milestone 25th season celebration.

Ticket bundles start at $13 and include a Wendy’s Biggie Bag and a limited‑edition cap, keeping the fun family‑friendly and budget‑kind. City leaders even proclaimed April 8 as “Dayton Dragons Day,” tipping their caps to the 13 million fans who’ve flocked downtown since 2000. With first pitch at 7:05 PM, this series is the perfect excuse to gather the neighborhood, wear your green, and soak up spring fun under the lights. 

Raiders Repeat: WSU Gold Defends League Crown

On April 21 at Howey‑in‑the‑Hills, Florida, Wright State’s men’s golf team closed with a 1‑under 287 to win the Horizon League title by 11 strokes over Cleveland State and IUPUI. Their total score of 881 secured the Raiders’ 10th league championship—and first back‑to‑back victory since 2003–04.

Junior Shane Ochs fired a three‑under 69 to earn low‑round honors and finish second individually. Sophomore Timmy Hollenbeck shot one‑under 71 to tie for fourth, while Brock Rumpke (71) and Adam Horn (76) placed 11th and 14th. This marks WSU’s fourth Horizon crown in six seasons and caps a 30–1 record against league rivals. With an automatic NCAA regional berth secured, the Raiders will learn their site on May 1 during the Golf Channel selection show. 

Flyers Reload: IONA Guard Adam Njie Jr. Commits To UD

With two starters graduating, University of Dayton men’s basketball wasted no time restocking the backcourt. Adam Njie Jr., a 6‑foot‑3 point guard who averaged 12.2 points and 4.2 assists as an Iona freshman, pledged to the Flyers on April 19. Njie landed on the MAAC All‑Rookie Team last season and retains three years of eligibility. Coach Anthony Grant lauded the sophomore‑to‑be as “lightning‑quick with an unteachable first step.” 

Njie joins high‑school standout Damon Friery in a 2025 class that analysts say balances perimeter creativity with post depth. The commitment also signals UD’s growing pull in the transfer portal, as Njie reportedly had offers from four Power‑Six programs.